(Source: Big Cartoon Database)
On September 1, Chinese audiences won't be able to watch The Simpsons, or any other foreign cartoons on prime-time television.
The Beijing News announced that the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will not air any foreign cartoons, nor any shows introducing them, between 5 and 8 PM on China's cartoon or children's channels.
Any cartoons co-produced by domestic and foreign firms will require approval from SARFT if they wish to be shown during prime-time hours.
This regulation is designed to protect China's animation industry, which has been hurt by foreign competition from the U.S.A., Europe, South Korea and Japan.
Although China produces many cartoons, a recent poll showed that 80% of Chinese children disliked the domestic product, and vastly preferred to watch foreign cartoons.
Most Chinese newspapers criticized the SARFT's decision.
"This is a worrying, shortsighted policy," the Southern Metropolis News said, "and will not solve the fundamental problems in China's cartoon industry. The viewing masses, whether adults or children, will have no choice but to passively support Chinese products."
Last February, state regulators banned TV shows mixing live action with animation, outlawing such popular children's shows as Blue's Clues and Teletubbies. The ban was also designed to protect Chinese studios, which don't make such programs.
Dominic von Riedemann - Dominic is the Animated Film Feature Writer, and winner of 11 Suite 101 Editors' Choice Awards.
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